Tom A. Croxton

Tom Croxton joined the University of Michigan School of Social Work as an assistant professor in 1964 and was promoted to associate professor in 1968 and professor in 1975. He was named professor emeritus in 2001.

Professor Croxton came to the school with professional practice experience as director of court services in a juvenile court in Marshall, Michigan. He served in a number of administrative positions at the school, including acting associate dean and, for four years, director of the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. His appointment under a U.S. Children's Bureau grant recognized Professor Croxton's expertise in law and social work related to children. While at the school, Professor Croxton held the unique distinction of being the only faculty member on the nexus of social work and the law.

Professor Croxton is interested in the nexus of law and social work in the practice areas of child welfare, mental and physical health, education, child custody, and juvenile justice. His major professional interests involved criminal and juvenile justice systems; confidentiality, privacy and privileged communications; mental health law; law and social work; the child, the family, and the law; and social work ethics. His research focused on law and social work in the practice areas of child welfare, mental and physical health, education, child custody, and juvenile justice.

Recent areas of interest include the future of the juvenile justice system and social work standards of practice. The latter study involves state and national surveys on clinical social work practices and beliefs.